President: Romney

Please vote no on Referendum 74. The way the law reads right now, gays have all the legal rights as if they were legally married. Do you know an establishment, under this new law, could be punished for not allowing gays when it used to be perfectly acceptable to "refuse service to anyone?" So, does that mean the establishment should be able to refuse me service if I don't wear shoes? Isn't that prejudice? What if you're gay and you don't wear shoes? Will that same establishment be afraid to refuse service because you may take that as an act toward being gay and not about your shoes?

God did not make two men or two women and tell them to be fruitful and multiply. They wouldn't be able to. God stated that He needed to find Adam a "suitable" mate, that mate was Eve, a woman. One man, one woman. That's how this Earth started, that's where you came from, period.

This country was founded on God's word and we need to abide by it. Let's stand up for what we believe in. Don't give in. Vote no on Referendum 74.

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Listening to a whole day of cable talk shows talking heads the other day I came away with a sick feeling inside. Everything was about fear and who would do what to whom, and take away something and give to someone else, and on and on. Paid talking heads spouting fear-based fiction.

Not one discussion about what we all have in common, not as Christians or non-Christians, not right, not left, not conservative, not liberal but as Americans. We believe in the rights and dignity of all Americans. We believed everyone should have the opportunity to be the best they can be and to do the best they can at whatever they do. We respect and praise those who work hard and take care of their families and love ones and help each other out.

Americans look past fear to see those ideals this country is supposed to be about, equality of opportunity and freedom, the American Dream.

Ref. 74 is about a law our governor and legislators approved that upholds our core American values.

By voting Yes on Ref. 74 Washington residents have an opportunity to vote against fear and for our core values as Americans. Voting yes does not take away our religious freedoms.

ROBERT BENEDETTI

Richland

8th District: Clough

As an independent voter, what a candidate can do for his district is far more important to me than party affiliation. Does he support STEM education and workforce training? Does he support economic development? Jay Clough does.

Or does he have his own agenda? Do his personal beliefs get in the way of supporting good public policy? Is he often out in left field, like being the only legislator in 100 to vote against outlawing shark-finning? This would be Brad Klippert. In two terms, we have yet to see him do anything more noteworthy than passing a bicycle bill, or preaching from his legislative pulpit about "hell and damnation" to gay people who want to marry. With all due respect, we don't need a preacher in Olympia -- we need an effective legislator.

Let's do better by sending Jay Clough to Olympia. A former marine, Jay is sensible and knows how to get things done. As one who has lived and taught in Asia, he has a global perspective and understands how our kids need to fit into the world at large in order to remain economically competitive. Let's move forward -- not backward. Vote for Jay Clough.

CYNTHIA SHAW

Richland

Benton: Delvin

I would like to voice my support for Jerome Delvin's candidacy for Benton County Commissioner. I have known Jerome for many years now. I believe he is an honorable advocate, committed to the citizens of Benton County through his efforts in Olympia for our Legislature.

The contacts, relationships and experience Jerome has developed over the years will be invaluable to the future of Benton County and our citizens. This advantage of knowing how to get things done will give Benton County the needed edge when all else is equal.

That edge will become extremely important as our county grows and evolves through changes in our economic structure where water issues, transportation needs, new energy initiatives and expanded agricultural opportunities become even more crucial to our future.

I believe he will make a strong contribution and addition to the team of commissioners that exists now.

PHILLIP LEMLEY

Richland

Sec. of state: Wyman

After careful consideration, I will be voting for Kim Wyman for Washington Secretary of State. When you vote, it is important to weigh the qualifications of the candidates. In this race, the clear choice is Wyman. At the top of the list of qualifications is experience. While the secretary of state has many other duties, the responsibility as chief elections officer of the state is at the top of my list.

Wyman has more than 20 years of management and technical experience in election administration, having worked first as an election manager and then elected as county auditor in Thurston County. Wyman has overseen 85 accurate, fair and open elections. Further, she has helped lead national and state election-reform efforts.

Wyman has been selected to serve on multiple workgroups and panels on voter registration and election topics because of her experience and leadership. In comparison, her opponent has no experience in election administration, instead having spent her time as a one-term state legislator, political consultant and policy advisor in the governor's office.

We need a leader in election administration as secretary of state. We need Kim Wyman. Please join me in marking your ballot for Kim Wyman for secretary of state.